Sunday, April 26, 2009

Adam and I have been reflecting on the ways that we have been changed by our 8-ish months in Germany. We have been changed in ways that we never would have imagined. And not in some of the ways we expected.We have been talking about what life will be like for us once we return to So Cal in July or August. It is hard to imagine returning to a big city that is open and busy 24 hours a day. We have grown accustomed to the slower pace of life here, and we like it. We are hoping to be able to maintain some semblance of simplicity even in bustling OC. We are prepared to be the "weird ones" who walk to the grocery store, carry reusable grocery bags, and recycle.We have learned to appreciate the changing seasons which we may never experience again in CA. We have learned the importance of spring following winter- that the dead shall be raised to new life. That the hope of spring carries you through the darkness and cold of winter. And how glorious is the sun after months without!We have learned that life is happening all over the world. In every country and corner of the globe. That there are needs all over the place. And we are open to meeting those needs however the Lord calls us. Truly, to serve in Morocco in Iraq, in China, wherever. The fear of "those places" is gone. We have a greater understanding that the Western church is not the only one out there. There are believers living in true relationship all over the globe. And we have things to learn from believers in Jordan, in Germany, in Russia. The American church is not the only church, and is not always right. So many more things are filling my head as I write this. Of the ways I have seen Adam change, and changes I have seen in myself. It is exciting to see the Lord refining us, opening our eyes, and changing our perspectives. With all this changing going on, it makes me hesitant to return to the US, but I am confident that God can and will continue this process, even in CA.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Adam's parents are here for a week. We picked them up from the airport after something like 24 hours of travel, filled their tummies with pizza, and then pointed them in the direction of our twin guest beds.

After a good night's sleep, a big breakfast and a chat with Chloe, our GPS, we took off for France. We visited Struthof, a WWII concentration camp. It was gray, cold, and rainy; strangely appropriate for a visit to a site surrounded with historical and social tragedy.

From France, we returned to Germany and a visit to the biggest site in Kandern, the grocery store. Exciting, I know.

From Germany, we crossed a different border into Switzerland and many kilometers later we were in Zurich. A terribly authentic meal at Casa Mama or "something tourists would associate with Italy", a trip to the train station to pay a favor, and then it was homeward bound.

Three countries, 0 passport stamps, 12 hours, Super Host of the Year award for Adam and Laura. Do we know how to show our guests a good time, or what?

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Adam and I were busy, busy, BUSY the last two weeks. We had the opportunity to see a lot of Europe over Spring Break. Between cheap flights, good exchange rates and bunking up in someone's living room, we were able to visit Amsterdam, Prague and London. I know, it's a tough life, but someone has to do it.

Amsterdam was a beautiful city. The canals and architecture kept us strolling around all day. We dodged millions of bikes. We were hoping to see the tulip fields in all their glory, but only the daffodils were blooming. We enjoyed their glory instead. We also visited the Anne Frank Huis, a museum in the office building that housed the Secret Annexe during WWII.

We drove to Prague with our good friends, the Welbourn's and shared an apartment with limited hot water. We toured the Jewish Quarter, enjoyed the beautiful views of the city and skyline, the Easter markets, and Bohemia Bagel. Bagels. Yum!

We visited London with our friends from sunny CA, the Halversons. We did the tourist thing, riding the Tube, visited Big Ben, Tower of London, changing of the guard, Shakespeare's Globe, ate fish 'n chips. The highlight was visiting Stonehenge. That was a check on the Life To Do list.

We returned to the beginning of Spring here in Kandern. The walkway to our front door has exploded with flowers, tulips even. We went all the way to Amsterdam and they are blooming at our front door.

The last few days have been warm and sunny. We were finally able to bust out the flip flops and walk around without a coat. It is glorious. We bought flowers from the Blumen field and hiked in the Black Forest.

And now, tomorrow it is back to the grind. I got tired after about 30 minutes of work today. I hope my stamina increases exponentially by tomorrow. 30 minutes won't even get me through 1st period!